Japan commits to ASEAN power grid project to counter China

TOKYO -- The Japanese government will offer financial assistance to domestic companies, including Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO), for an inter-island power transmission project in Indonesia. The move is part of Tokyo's efforts to become a player in Southeast Asia's grid development as China flexes its economic muscle in the region.

KEPCO has been commissioned to conduct a study for an Indonesian government-led project that seeks to use private capital to build the inter-island power grid. The Japanese government will cover about half the costs of the study for KEPCO.